Kemar Scarlett sets school's single-game record in the season-opener.
Boxscore
Bear Shots
BALTIMORE, Md. – Kemar Scarlett connected on four field goals and the Bears defense cashed in on a safety to help Morgan State (1-0) beat Bowie State 14-7 on Saturday night in front of 7,419 in attendance at Hughes Stadium.
Scarlett set a single-game school record on what was a frustrating night for both offenses. The senior booted in four field goals to give the Bears its first season-opening victory since 2007, and it was their second win against the Bulldogs who fell 28-20 in their last meeting in 2006. Scarlett's four field goals set a Morgan State team single game record.
“Anytime you have a kicker making 50-yard field goals, it makes it easier for the offense and brings the opportunity for points,” said MSU head coach Donald Hill-Eley. “It's good to be able to have a guy that you know from 35 and sometimes 40 yards away, he's going to make the play for you.”
Scarlett hit a 39-yard field goal at the end of the first quarter to put Morgan on the scoreboard 3-0.
Bowie State (0-2) put together a 9 play, 70-yard drive that was capped by a 10 yard touchdown run by Rodney Webb. Michael Gagne's point after attempt gave the Bulldogs a 7-3 advantage with 2:54 remaining in the half.
Donovan Dickerson engineered a 36 yard drive to setup a 44-yard field goal by Scarlett to pull the Bears to within one, trailing 7-6 at halftime.
Dickerson completed 16-of-32 passes for 109 yards in his starting debut.
There were numerous mistakes by both teams, but the ejection of Bowie State's starting quarterback Tyrae Reed in the first quarter ended up being a huge hit to the visiting Bulldogs.
Bowie State started the second half with yet another miscue when a snap to punter Michael Gagne sailed through the back of the endzone for a safety to give the Bears an 8-7 edge with 9:44 to go in the third quarter.
Scarlett, who ended up being the most reliable form of offense for the Bears, scored on a 33 yard field goal. Still, the Bulldogs had a chance for the go-ahead score, pushing to midfield with about 6 minutes left. But back-to-back sacks by Justin Young, followed by Sheldon Jacques forced the Bulldogs punt from their own 35. On the Bears ensuing drive Scarlett capped all scoring with 46-yard field goal giving the Bears its first win of the season.
Bowie State managed just 73 total offensive yards, led by third-string quarterback Trevon Bennett who completed 10-of-21 passes for 89 yards while facing steady pressure from the speedy Morgan State pass rush. The Bears finished the game by forcing three interceptions (by Joe Rankin, Bakari Smith#, Janary Gray).
The Bulldogs ground game also struggled and compiled -33 yards on 24 carries, while the Bears garnered 44 yards. Jourdan Brooks received the bulk of the carries for the Bears and finished with 62 yards on 27 carries. Winfred Diggs finished with a team-high five receptions for 44 yards.
Allen Stephens and Brian Saunders led the Bears with six tackle apiece and the defense completed the game with four sacks and three interceptions.
Morgan State will continue its schedule when they head to College Park to take on the Maryland Terps on Saturday, September 11th. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.
